—– satisfy your need for movement —–

I think my favorite thing about being a dog owner is that I always have a buddy. I don’t always want one, but it’s great to know that if I have some work to do on the computer, he’s right by my side, or even under my chair.

The other week I took Wrigley to the Spay & Neuter clinic here in Charlotte for his neutering surgery. It was a tough decision and I wrestled with it for awhile. In the end I sucked it up and dropped him at the clinic for 8 hours.

One of the coolest things I’ve ever stumbled across is secret shopping. Believe it or not, businesses will actually pay a company to have people come in, order food and drinks, and provide feedback on their experiences. Sometimes the payment is only compensation for the meal; sometimes you can make a little extra cash for your efforts.

After I graduated high school in Ohio, I was so ready to pack up and move to Chicago for college. After three years in Chicago, I was ready for the next big thing. A semester in Maine for a documentary photography program that had me there during negative temps in the winter left me longing for somewhere warm. I loved Phoenix but never felt like I got a chance to do everything before I left.

Each of these places I’ve missed along the way and there are parts I felt like I didn’t get to explore enough before it was time to leave. Now, in my current city of Charlotte, I’m determined to keep that from happening. I know this isn’t where I want to settle down, so I’ve got a bucket list in the works of things I need to experience before I leave. I hated it when I first got here, but I’ve been warming up to the city and I’m determined to bleed it dry before moving on.

It’s not much of a secret: I love my doggie. I blog about him. He has his own Instagram. I buy him toys and treats. I take lots of pictures of him. I talk about him to my friends and family. While I don’t do any of this stuff in excess (I hope!), it’s still made me wonder: Am I a crazy dog lady?

This week I am so busy it’s rare I have time to sit down and relax, much less write a blog entry. But here I am! Mostly because this idea just struck me- even though I’m running around like crazy, making all sorts of to-do lists and rushing to hit deadlines, I’m almost giddy with excitement.